Showing papers in "European Journal of Innovation Management in 2010"

Types of innovation, sources of information and performance in entrepreneurial SMEs

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the information sourcing practices of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) associated with the development of different types of innovation (product/process/market/organizational). The relationship between different types of innovation and firms' performance is also to be examined.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a quantitative study of a sample of SMEs located in the Northern Savo region in Finland. The entrepreneurs completed a questionnaire pertaining to, for example, whether their firms had introduced novel innovations and what were the sources of information behind these innovations.Findings – The introduction of novel product and market innovations appears to be associated with the use of more or less freely accessible information sources. The findings also indicate that the introduction of novel product, process and market innovations is positively associated with firms' growth. None of the types of innovation studied was fou...

Motivating and supporting collaboration in open innovation

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore collaboration in open innovation (OI) communities. The paper focuses on the following two research problems: how can users be motivated to collaborate in OI communities and what kind of tools and methods can support collaboration in OI communities?Design/methodology/approach – The exploratory case study includes three innovation intermediaries originated in three different countries: France, The Netherlands and Finland. The primary data source consists of the open‐ended questions posted to the maintainers and users by e‐mail. The data include five responses from the maintainers and 12 responses from the users. The secondary source is the internet document review. The classification of the factors in the preliminary framework is derived from reading and rereading the answers of the respondents until the themes started emerging from the data. Thereafter, the data are coded according to the chosen themes.Findings – Results suggest that monetary rewards are no...

Organizational culture as determinant of product innovation

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study empirically the relationships among organizational culture and product innovation.Design/methodology/approach – The paper formulates some hypotheses from the literature review. These hypotheses are tested using structural equations modelling with data collected from 420 firms.Findings – Organizational culture is considered to be one of the key elements in both enhancing and inhibiting innovation. The findings provide evidence about this proposition. While ad hocratic cultures could enhance the development of new products or services, hierarchical cultures inhibit product innovation.Research limitations/implications – First, the data in the study were collected from one source. A second limitation is the cross‐sectional design of this research. Finally, only four of the six features of the competing value model have been evaluated. Apart from overcoming these limitations, suggestions for future research are: use longitudinal studies and multiple informants; s...

Limits to the diffusion of innovation: A literature review and integrative model

Abstract: – The purpose of this article is to integrate existing theoretical explanations for innovation diffusion across the disciplines of marketing, innovation and sociology research, – Literature reviews and historical case analysis were used to support an integrative model, – Innovation diffusion is affected by technological, social and learning “conditions” while operating in the contextual “domain” of the individual, community or market/industry, – The model is drawn from new product development and marketing theory Both fields are dominated by the assumption that users adopt new technology to maximise their utility Also, the model does not integrate the overlapping effects of the different contexts and domains, – The article provides a sound model for orienting new product development strategy, since it may reduce the risk of low and slow user adoption of radical innovations due, for instance, to their technological, social, and cognitive differences with former products A second critical managerial implication is that technological, social and learning conditions clearly have an effect on marketing actions and competitive strategies, – The article provides a literature review of resistance to technology adoption through a multidisciplinary lens

The link between non‐technological innovations and technological innovation

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to provide evidence of the major role of non-technological activities in the innovation process. It highlights the effects of marketing and organizational innovation strategies on technological innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach The article tests theoretical hypotheses on a sample of 555 firms of the 4th Community Innovation Survey (CIS 4) in 2006 in Luxembourg. Data are analyzed through a generalizedTobit model. Findings In the present study, evidence is found to support the impact of innovation in the marketing and organization fields on a firm's capacity to innovate, but not on the innovative performance. The paper also statistically shows that the effects of non-technological innovation differ depending on the phase of the innovation process. Research limitations/implications The causal link and the question of time frame between the various innovations could be further investigated, especially through longitudinal studies. Further research should also focus on the differences between large versus small firms, and service versus industrial firms. Practical implications The effects of non-technological innovation are not the same according to whether the firm is in the first step of the innovation process (i.e. being innovative), or in a later step (i.e. innovative performance). Managers should be aware of these various effects in order to efficiently adopt non-technological innovation strategies. Originality/value Few works have taken into account the role of other innovative strategies such as marketing and organization. At our knowledge, this is the first study based on recent CIS data that looks at the interrelations between different types of innovation.

An exploratory study of marketing, logistics, and ethics in packaging innovation

Abstract: Purpose – Packaging is a strategic tool that merits holistic management. Three managerial disciplines have the potential to significantly influence packaging strategy: marketing, logistics, and ethics. Despite the multidimensional nature of packaging, the academic literature tends to analyse these three dimensions separately. To address this shortcoming of a more integrated approach, the aim of this paper is to identify the main integration areas among marketing, logistics, and ethics in packaging innovation projects, in the retail grocery sector.Design/methodology/approach – In total, 186 cases of packaging design were selected and the data collected were analysed by quantitative content analysis (cross‐tabulation).Findings – The results show that simultaneous integration among marketing, logistics and ethics recurs in only one third of the cases. The main area of integration is between marketing and ethics. To a lesser extent, there is a significant degree of integration between marketing and logistics ...

The relationship among modularity, functional coordination, and mass customization: Implications for competitiveness

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how product modularity (PM) is related to mass customization (MC) capability and plant competitiveness.Design/methodology/approach – The paper tests hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling with an international dataset.Findings – PM is not directly related to plant competitiveness. Inter‐functional design coordination (IDC) is found to be critical in fostering plant competitiveness.Practical implications – Managers need to put IDC mechanisms in place to foster MC capabilities and, thereby, enhance plant competitiveness.Originality/value – While the existing literature mostly argues for a direct relationship between PM and competitiveness, the paper shows that IDC and MC capability are crucial intervening variables in this relationship.

Addressing R&D investment decisions: a cross analysis of R&D project selection methods

Abstract: Purpose – A large number of methodologies for R&D project selection have been developed and reported in the literature over the last few decades, and it has become a very popular research topic since the 1960s. The aim of this paper is to classify and characterize the determining aspects behind the research and development project selection process.Design/methodology/approach – After carefully reviewing the literature and analysing the latest contributions the paper identifies the key issues for the comparison of the existing techniques used to evaluate alternative projects and portfolios of R&D projects. In the second phase the main selection methods (including the latest project portfolio optimisation approaches) are reviewed and critically compared.Findings – The strengths, weaknesses, limitations and practicality of the methods analysed allow managers to choose the project selection model appropriate for their specific problems. Some integrated models (hybrid approach) and the latest solutions could f...

The governance of university‐industry knowledge transfer

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this article is to contribute to the debate on university‐industry knowledge transfer and on the changing organization of knowledge creation activities.Design/methodology/approach – By integrating several strands of analysis, a conceptual framework is developed that associates several properties of knowledge and of the institutional context in which university‐industry relationships take place, to the knowledge transfer governance forms that are most likely to be adopted. The framework is shown to be in accordance with results from the empirical literature, and is validated using an original dataset.Findings – The data analysis confirms that the choice of university‐industry knowledge transfer governance forms on the part of organizations involved in knowledge production and dissemination projects is related to the key dimensions in the conceptual framework.Originality/value – The conceptual framework developed in this article allows the incentives that drive the choice of specific go...

Suggestion systems in organizations: what motivates employees to submit suggestions?

Abstract: Purpose – Suggestion systems offer the opportunity for organizations to benefit directly from their employees' innovativeness. The purpose of this paper is to investigate processes underlying employees' involvement with suggestion systems. It examines the relationship between interactional justice of the suggestion system, valence of the suggestion system (VSS), employees' wellbeing, and their motivation to submit suggestions.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected in a German manufacturing company. In total, 142 questionnaires were completed (response rate: 71 percent). The paper applies the bootstrapping method in order to test the hypothesized relationships.Findings – Results support the hypothesized moderated mediation model, in that VSS mediated the positive relationship between interactional justice and motivation to submit suggestions when wellbeing was high or moderate, but not when wellbeing was low.Research limitations/implications – The results reflect only subjective appraisals. Howe...

Collaborative product development: Exploring the role of internal coordination capability in supplier involvement

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the impact of internal coordination capability on supplier involvement.Design/methodology/approach – Hypothesized relationships are tested using confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical linear regression models.Findings – It was found that internal coordination capability and supplier involvement effort have a positive effect on collaborative product development (CPD) performance. In addition, internal coordination capability positively moderates the relationship between supplier involvement and CPD performance.Research limitations/implications – The study used targets or goals as the standard for measuring all scales in CPD performance. Although, this approach has several advantages and it is widely reported in the literature, it fails to account for the aggressiveness of the goals or targets as well as relative importance of the metrics.Practical implications – Managers attempting to gain short‐term benefits through increased collaboration scope will risk negati...

Outsourcing of NPD activities: a best practice approach

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to improve our understanding of outsourcing NPD, and specifically of factors affecting the outsourcing decisions, by exploring the practices of the most innov ...

Exploring the determinants of the reconfiguration capability: a dynamic capability perspective

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of the reconfiguration capability from a multilevel organizational perspective including interfirm collaboration, intrafirm collaboration, individual‐, group‐ and organization‐level learning.Design/methodology/approach – Using a questionnaire survey, the paper is based on data collected from 83 British software firms. Reliability and item total correlation analyses have been undertaken to ensure the internal consistency of the applied measures. A principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis have been applied to examine determinants of the reconfiguration capability.Findings – The findings indicate that interfirm collaboration positively relates to the implementation of effective reconfiguration. In addition, the findings have revealed that group‐level learning is a successful technique for improving a firm's ability to recombine knowledge streams. Finally, the paper emphasizes the role of organization‐level learning in cre...

Adoption of NPD flexibility practices in new technology‐based firms

Abstract: Purpose – New technology‐based firms (NTBFs) play a growing role in national economies. Given their nature, it is possible to suppose that these companies should manage their development processes by leveraging on flexibility. Thus, the main purpose of the paper is to understand to what extent NTBFs apply the methods and tools identified in the existing literature to increase the flexibility of new product development (NPD) processes.Design/methodology/approach – Eight in‐depth case studies are conducted in order to draw and test a questionnaire for the extended research. Then, the questionnaire is submitted to 550 firms obtaining a final sample of 48. The first step of data analysis, based on factor analysis methodology, allows to reduce and clarify the practices applied by companies to increase the flexibility of the innovation process. The second step allows, using one‐way ANOVA, to understand which practices for managing innovation processes are used in significantly different ways by high‐ and low‐pe...

The development of a scale to measure consumer doubt toward new products

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale for measuring consumer doubt toward new products.Design/methodology/approach – The scale was developed in several steps. A large pool of items to represent consumer doubt was generated. Experts reviewed the scale items for conciseness and clarity. An exploratory factor analysis to examine the unidimensionality, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of each construct was conducted. The model was then validated using partial least squares modeling. Finally, the scale and its form were validated, and potential response biases assessed. Data from three studies were used.Findings – The results show that by focusing on reasons for deference, rather than acceptance, the scale yields new insight into innovation success and failure. The CDNP scale is a reliable and valid measurement instrument to assess consumer doubt toward new products.Research limitations/implications – For researchers, the results show that only considering positive aspects on ...

The pool effect of dyad‐based capabilities on seller firms' innovativeness

Abstract: Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to analyze which relational resources and capabilities are determinant in fostering innovations and to what extent these innovations are relevant in achieving superior business results.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed hypotheses are tested in an empirical study carried out on a sample group of 106 Spanish companies from the sub‐industries of machine tool manufacture and manufacturers of machinery for specific industries, operating in a business‐to‐business context. Information was gathered by means of telephone interviews with sales, production or management representatives of machinery suppliers. Analysis of data was performed by means of partial least squares regression. The exchange of knowledge leading to shared learning, investments in idiosyncratic or relation‐specific assets, non‐specific complementary resources and capabilities, and dyad governance mechanisms are the analyzed factors.Findings – The results confirm that the existence of customer...

Decision of institutional cooperation on R&D

Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to examine the differences between manufacturing and service sector firms regarding the determining factors for the decision to cooperate with research institutions to perform R&D activities. The second key contribution provided is the identification of institutional cooperation profiles, based on the determining variables of institutional cooperation.Design/methodology/approach – On the one hand, drawing on the Community Innovation Survey for Spain, a Logit Regression Model is used to study the determining factors for institutional cooperation decision. On the other hand, in order to identify institutional cooperation profiles a confirmatory analysis was carried out applying the cluster methodology.Findings – The empirical study confirms that the differences are fundamentally related to transaction cost theory and resource‐based view with respect to the costs. Specifically, these theories' proposal dealing with the variable cost is not empirically confirmed for firms in the servi...

Concurrent commercialization and new‐product adoption for construction products

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to report on data from case studies of development process, and a survey of use patterns over ten years, for 13 highly innovative products. While the paper does not claim concurrent commercialization (CC) as a universal solution, it aims to highlight significant correlates between management best practice, concurrent commercialization and builder use rates for these 13 highly innovative products in the USA residential construction industry.Design/methodology/approach – To study the effect of CC on new‐product adoption rates by installers, the authors assembled data from the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Builders' Practices Survey (BPS) for the years 1996 through 2005. The data collection was executed in three phases. Best practices were collected from literature. Explanatory variables regarding best practice and presence of CC were collected and measured through case studies. The measure of market penetration, based on the concept of innovativeness, was obtained f...

Improving integration capabilities with management control

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of how companies integrate their innovation and operations processes. Referring to the dynamic capability approach, the authors derive an “integration capability” construct from a set of qualitative data. The authors expand this concept stressing the specific role of management control as a crucial part of an integration capability to align the different processes.Design/methodology/approach – Case studies in eight German industrial and service companies were conducted and qualitative material was analysed guided by a grounded theory approach.Findings – The paper aims at exploring a specific dynamic capability in order to integrate innovation and operations processes. Based on a qualitative study of eight cases, three distinctive categories are derived describing the construct of an integration capability: organization, communication, and management control. Furthermore, influencing factors which lead to different levels of intensity of...

A study of management tasks and stakeholders in a hybrid corporate incubator

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the main tasks and challenges of the manager role in a hybrid incubator organization, here defined as being one owned by both private companies and public organizations.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a stakeholder management approach to focus on tasks related to multiple relationships. It employs an interview‐based case method. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews and documents were used to collect data. Interviews with external stakeholders provided additional information about management tasks and how they appear in the incubation context. The role of the incubator and the manager is described through the stories of three different technology ventures, which the incubator worked with at the time of the study.Findings – The tasks and challenges of the incubator manager concentrated around helping incubated companies gain access to much‐needed knowledge. Different modes of knowledge were added to the start‐up companies from the incubator's...

Measuring performance in R&NPD: The case of Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei – a Finmeccanica company

Abstract: Purpose – Implementing a performance measurement system (PMS) for research and new product development (RN the use

Diffusion of product signs in industrial networks: the advantage of the trend‐setter

Abstract: Purpose – Nowadays, the strategic role of design is reinforced by the increased attention that customers pay to the aesthetic, symbolic and emotional values of products. These values can be communicated through the appropriate combination of product signs (such as form, colours, materials and so on), which gives meaning to a product. Consequently, companies are investing substantial efforts in appropriate strategies for the development of product signs and languages. Firms must understand how knowledge about new products signs diffuses in industrial networks in order to be able to access and exploit it. The purpose of this paper is to ask, does the capability to propose new product trends allow companies to be recognized as innovators? Does the early adoption of product signs positively affect consumer preferences?Design/methodology/approach – An empirical analysis is conducted on strategies regarding a specific type of product within the Italian furniture industry (namely, chairs). In particular, the pap...

Revisiting the case of float glass: Understanding the industrial revolution through the design envelope

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold. First and most importantly, the paper aims to explain how Pilkington is able to revolutionize the flat glass industry. The modified design envelope model is applied to demonstrate the technological competence and especially strategic thinking concerning to understanding of the markets and positioning the product. Second, the paper demonstrates the entrepreneurship within a large‐scale manufacturing firm.Design/methodology/approach – The paper applies a longitudinal, historical, and contextual approach. The paper uses multiple case study method and multiple data sources. This is done because creation of an innovation does not take place in vacuum, it is context bound.Findings – The float glass fulfills the requirements of two industries: the plate and sheet glasses. Within both industries, short‐sighted competitors concentrate on technologies applicable only in other industry. Pilkington positions the float glass first clearly in the plate glass industry and ...